NJ Lt. Gov. candidate would ditch constitutional affordable housing doctrine

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – Republican lieutenant governor candidate James Gannon says he would ditch the state’s standing affordable housing requirements. 

At a debate on PIX11 and PHL17, Gannon said he would “absolutely” alter the Mount Laurel Doctrine, which requires all New Jersey municipalities to contribute their “fair share” of the state’s affordable housing stock, which is calculated every 10 years.

The Mount Laurel Doctrine was established in 1975 and has since faced legal challenges. 

Gannon said the state should prioritize certain regions for housing based on factors like transit and job availability. He suggested areas like Red Bank or Somerville are better suited to housing development than Roxbury Township.

“All we do is set people up for failure, that’s what we do. We put places up in the middle of nowhere,” Gannon said. “We have to set people up for success.”

Advocates, on the other hand, say the doctrine has stimulated significant affordable housing development and promoted racial and income diversity where it was previously lacking. 

Democrat Dale Caldwell, who is Mikie Sherrill’s running mate, said he would review the Mount Laurel Doctrine to ensure it is also protecting open space. Caldwell suggested using empty office spaces to accommodate affordable housing needs. 

“My daughter is 21, I’m president of a university, I worry about their ability to stay in New Jersey, their ability to buy a home and live the American Dream,” Caldwell said. 

Ahead of Election Day, PIX11 will host a live forum featuring New Jersey governor candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Tune in to watch on PIX11, PIX11.com, and PIX11+. The forum will also be simulcast on PHL17 and PHL17.com.